Norma Gail (Taylor/Green) Mowbray

Norma Gail (Taylor/Green) Mowbray

Norma Gail (Taylor/Green) Mowbray was the eldest of two children born to Myra and Verna Green in Waco, Texas, on Jan. 19, 1936. Gail and her younger sister, LaRue, grew up primarily in Houston, Texas. Her mother, Myra, was instrumental in teaching her girls a lifelong passion for culture, about the importance of helping others with compassion, and finding the beauty in life.

Some of Gail’s most special memories were of her family reunions at Leakey, Texas, which she called her “dream place.” Gail loved swimming and tubing in the Rio Frio River, diving from the magnificent cypress trees lining the banks, dancing at Garner State Park, being surrounded by family and listening to aunts and uncles tell tales of days past.

Gail’s “Pappa,” Ed Taylor lived with her family for several years and was instrumental in educating Gail and LaRue about the wrongs of prejudice and racism. His teachings stayed with Gail throughout her life, helping her bring understanding, compassion and much love into her life and classrooms.

After receiving her teaching degree from Texas Tech in 1957, Gail taught in a number of schools from California to Texas. Her first in Palo Alto, California, she described as “a dream year I will treasure forever.” Gail would build a legacy of being a passionate, creative and compassionate teacher who loved her school kids as much as her own children. She touched so many students’ lives in such a positive way and helped so many of them find better life paths.

She met her husband, Dan Mowbray, while he was in Air Force pilot training in Lubbock, Texas, and after they married, she and Dan lived in New York, Georgia, and finally settled in Arlington, Texas, where they raised their three children, Mark, Kim, and Mara. Her children were her pride and joy.

Gail had always wanted a horse when she was younger, so she bought her first horse “for her daughters.” This was the start of her girls being totally involved with horses for all of their childhood, including shows and they won several awards. Gail described this time as “one of my greatest adventures of my life, our lives.”

After Gail’s kids were grown, she and Dan retired to the charming small mountain town of Alpine, Arizona. They fell in love with the area and built their dream home on a beautiful, wooded lot. They made outstanding friends and filled their lives with outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, snowmobiling and nordic skiing. Alpine was as close to heaven on earth to her as Leakey. Unfortunately, Dan passed in 2005, so Gail moved to Boise, Idaho, to be close to her youngest daughter, Mara. She ended up being a full-time “Nana” to Mara’s children. She adored and was so proud of all of her grandchildren and was happiest when she had her family all together.

Gail followed Mara to Tumwater, Washington, for one last life adventure. They were able to tour all over Washington and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty the ocean towns, mountains and forests offered.

Gail passed away on Feb. 22, 2026, after a long, full and fun life. She is survived by her sister LaRue Green, son Mark Mowbray, daughter Kim Kelm, daughter Mara Littrell, niece Stephanie Monroney, and her four grandchildren, Jessica Mowbray, Kevin Littrell, Dani Littrell and Shawn Kelm.

When asked about a life experience that was special, Gail immediately answered that it was the time her son, Mark, made her a Harley Mom for a Day. She had never ridden a motorcycle, so they drove along the California coast and Gail described it as “a perfect day.” This is just one of the many adventures Gail sought from life and she lived a full one. We smile when we think of her and miss her very much.

At this time, there is no memorial scheduled, but Gail’s favorite charity was the Olympia Mutual Aid Partners (OlyMAPs). Gail would prefer a donation to OlyMAPs in lieu of flowers.